Characterisation of a plasma membrane-associated phospholipase A2 activity increased in response to cold acclimation

We here demonstrate the presence of a plasma membrane-associated phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4; PLA2) activity in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves. The pH profile of the spinach plasma membrane PLA2 activity revealed two peaks, one at pH 4.4 and one at pH 5.5. The activity at pH 5.5 had an absolute requirement of Ca2+, with full enzyme activity at 10 μmol/L Ca2+. The Ca2+-dependent PLA2 activity was both heat sensitive and stimulated by diacylglycerol, whereas ATP completely inhibited the activity. Thus, the spinach plasma membrane contains a Ca2+-dependent PLA2 activity, which has not previously been characterised in plants. Cold acclimation of spinach resulted in a 2.2-fold higher plasma membrane PLA2 activity whereas the plasma membrane phospholipase D activity remained unaffected. Taken together, our data suggest a role of PLA2 in cold acclimation in plants.